Public address announcer Gary Twitchell (far left) was joined by spotters Chuck Pate (middle) and Ron Robles for the opening of the University athletic stadium. TIM BURT, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Fans seemed happy. So were the players.

Night one of the new University athletic stadium is in the books and from all indications, it went pretty smoothly on and off the field.

We heard of no problems with parking, fans seemed to have a good view of the field and the players took to their new home pretty well.

Woodbridge High's varsity football team got to christen the new stadium Friday night.

The Warriors accomplished what they wanted to, notching a 49-10 victory over Lancaster and improving their mark to 2-0.

“I felt we did a pretty good job breaking it in,” said Woodbridge running back Austin DeFreitas, who had three touchdown catches and rushed for 72 yards on four carries.

“I like it a lot more than Irvine High School. It's a brand-new field and it has a good vibe.”

Coach excited about opening win

Woodbridge Coach Rick Gibson gave the facility high marks, too.

“It was a pure joy to be here,” Gibson said. “It's a great venue, and I feel blessed that we have an opportunity to be here, and we had a nice following, so we're happy.”

Gibson was congratulated after the game by University Coach Mark Cunningham, who had just come back from his team's 35-0 loss to Segerstrom. Cunningham was making sure that all the locker-room arrangements were in order for the Warriors.

Crowd turnout was decent

Woodbridge fans filled most of the home side of the stadium.

It was a good Woodbridge turnout considering that school is not in session until Tuesday.

The marching band did not attend.

Only a handful of Lancaster fans showed up on the visitors' side.

It will probably look a lot different Thursday when University hosts Laguna Beach in the Trojans' home opener. University officials are expecting a capacity crowd of 2,940 for that one.

Woodbridge principal impressed

Among the administrators taking in the game was Interim Principal Chris Krebs, who was impressed with the facility.

“The stadium is absolutely beautiful,” he said. “The kids and the parents and the coaches are so excited to be here, and we're excited to be here. It's a great start to the year. There is a really good energy and a good showing at Woodbridge right now. And a good win and a good showing is a great way to kick off the year.

“We loved Irvine Stadium, but everybody said this field just feels right.”

Krebs said he was not aware of any problems on opening night.

“Everything I've heard, it's gone perfectly tonight,” he said. “Each week we're going to add layers. I went and talked to the Irvine Police Department, and they said so far it's been perfect. We had overflow parking, and we didn't even use it tonight.”

Press box crew returns

Public address announcer Gary Twitchell returned for what he said was his 22nd year calling the games for fans. Twitchell had three sons – Trevor (1995), Dustin (1998) and Kameron (2001) – play football at Woodbridge. He continues to support the program by calling the games.

Twitchell continues to be assisted by spotter Ron Robles, who had three sons – Ryan (1994), Brady (1996) and Patrick (1999) – play at Woodbridge and by the other spotter Chuck Pate.

Challenging night in the press box

We don't want to put a damper on what was otherwise a great night for football fans, coaches and players.

They should get top priority.

But the press box at the new stadium presents some unique challenges for announcers, writers and coaches trying to call plays from upstairs. Tinted windows, which can't be opened all the way, caused quite a glare and made it difficult to see the playing field.

Maybe it's too late, but district officials should look into rectifying the situation. Taking the tint out of the windows would be a start. Putting in windows that open all the way would be even better.

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